Ooops, I did it again

Travel Log 2- Minneapolis/St Paul (1 of 3)

So, while we were in the area, we took the opportunity to visit the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. On the ground floor there was a special exhibit entitled “Art & Healing” which was a compilation of some of the art work produced by the community in the aftermath of the tragic shooting of Philando Castile on July 6, 2016.

The work included paintings, drawings, videos… and quilts. It spoke to the feelings people deal with after a sudden violent incident occurs in a community where its citizens have come to have an expectation of well-being and safety. It is certainly understandable to want to express feelings of trauma, anguish and anger, when violence comes crashing into the realm of “home”, whether it targets the personal sense of home, as for the Castile family, or the broader sense of home for the people in this city. It seems so poignant and fitting that quilters came together to create a reaction to this shooting in a medium so often identified with home. It also attests to the fact that quilts are now a recognized form of artistic expression; they are no longer considered just “bed covers”.

A writing station is situated in front of the messages people 

have posted (on the blue fields on the back wall to the left). 

This exhibit wasn’t only about reacting to the situation, it was also about searching for healing and moving forward with positive change for society. It could have stayed at a place of venting but it offered viewers a chance to react themselves by posting comments on the wall and encouraging positive dialogue.

This was posted by the message center.

The exhibit was actually the inspiration of Castile’s mother, Valerie, who wanted to present this to the community. My sincerest wish is that her efforts to remember her son in this very meaningful way also bring an element of healing to her home.